SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Former Southwest Minnesota State University head baseball coach Dr. Jim Denevan passed away on May 17 at the age of 87.
 
Denevan (1971-81, 83-86, 91-96) was the head baseball coach at SMSU for 21 seasons and taught in the SMSU Physical Education department.
 
Denevan began working at SMSU in 1968, serving as an assistant football coach before taking over the baseball program in 1971, the program's second year of existence. He led SMSU to three regular season conference championships in 1974, 1994 and 1996 and one conference tournament championship in 1996.
 
Denevan also led the Mustangs to three NAIA District championships in 1974, 1986 and 1993, including hosting the NAIA regional tournament in 1993. 
 
Denevan retired in 1996 as the program's all-time leader in victories with 353 and coached five NAIA All-Americans and 45 all-conference honorees during his tenure.
 
He was inducted into the SMSU Athletics Hall of Honor in 2013.
 
Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, at The Chapel at Dow Rummel Village South at 1310 W. Madison Street, Door O, Sioux Falls, S.D., with a reception to follow.
 
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Dr. Jim Denevan Baseball Scholarship at Southwest Minnesota State University, Founders Hall 221, 1501 State Street, Marshall, MN, 56258.